… Says Ondo State is financially stable
Ondo State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Akinterinwa says the State is financially stable after its internally generated revenue (IGR) was successfully improved upon from 300 million naira to Three billion naira every month.
Akinterinwa disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure while speaking at the “Ondo Media Agenda” organized by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The Commissioner noted that the Akeredolu’s government at its inception put in place a process that ensured its IGR increased tremendiously.
According to him, the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) was restructured through legislative backing with an expert appointed to head the agency.
He said the government ensured that young graduates were employed at the agency, while it deployed technology to achieve its activities. He added that the Staff of ODIRS were well trained to handle the process.
“We went fully automated with our workings. Infact, residents of the State are able to pay their taxes and other levies through technological means. They can pay through their phones and dedicated applications meant for such. This had ensure transparency and accountability in the system.”
Akinterinwa who disclosed that Governor Akeredolu is always elated about the growth in the IGR, added that most of the legacy projects the administration has embarked upon, was as a result of the increment in the State revenue.
“Of note, was the initial discovery of N4.3bn which was hidden in a secret account from the previous administration. The Governor was excited about this discovery and you can see that the fund was well utilised for the development of the State.
On the 10-month salary arrears been owed staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, the Commissioner said the messy situation can only be traced back to the management of the institution.
According to him, other state-owned institutions are being paid their subventions as and when due, and he wondered while the Polytechnic is at such mess.
He said the government in the last Six years has invested capital funds in the institution, adding that the challenges with the payment of their arrears is being sorted out.
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